Chyna Butler

I’m here at this event as a volunteer, I did face painting. My name is Chyna Butler, I’m a model known as Chocolate Chyna Doll. I’m a brown skin model and there’s been a lot of talk about how brown skin isn’t the right skin and I haven’t been on many covers because of that. People stop me and they’ll say “oh you’re beautiful for a dark skin or a brown skin girl” – I don’t think it’s cool so I correct them and tell them just say I’m beautiful period! I’ve been on like 4 or 5 covers because I made those statements publically.

I’m also a phlebotomist, I work in a hospital and hold two degrees an associates in human services and a bachelor’s degree in psychology. I plan on going back for my masters soon. I know that what I do can be portrayed negatively. I have two teenage daughters so I know any pictures I take, anything I do will be seen and it will not be taking down so I try to do everything tastefully.

I’ve been in the modeling game for over ten years, I really haven’t had a lot of bad feedback – mostly because my personality is awesome – that helps. I have a good vibe with everybody so I don’t receive those judgments like “oh if you’re a model you’re a hoe”. Some people are doing it for the wrong things, people getting their bodies done – not that there’s anything wrong with it. If you feel how you feel you get it done, it should be for you not for attention. I model because I like taking pictures and doing something creative. The labels even if it was towards me I wouldn’t take offense because I know what I’m doing and I know what I’m doing it for.

I see these kids out here mixed up in a lot of things you know. Carrying guns and fighting all the time, it’s just so bad. So that’s why when twin invites me out to events like this, I try to get my kids to come. I want to do more things like this. I was telling him that we should get a center or work with the YMCA or something. Have something for the kids.

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Black Bravado is improving the state of Black people in America by creating a community that incites people to act. By showcasing Black excellence from all ages and walks of life, we are sending the message that there are many ways to be Black and many ways to be great.